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Laura Figi

Senior City Editor, ATXtoday

Laura Figi has called Austin home for more than 12 years and has been known to say it’s her “favorite city in the world.” A proud graduate of Texas State University, she’s been working in local news since 2020. When she’s not working and learning about the community, you can find her at the local thrift shop, spending time with her two cats, or listening to live music.

A black-and-white photo of four team members standing outdoors, wearing matching branded shirts and caps, posing confidently in front of a stone wall with trees in the background.
How to give back with OutdoorJack
The home services company helps single mothers, veterans, and older Austinites with yard work that would otherwise be difficult to undertake alone.
December 19, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A collage featuring a diverse group of people, including Fran Harris, Adam Walker, The Tiarras, Richard Rhodes, Destin George Bell, Ben Duong arranged with vibrant overlays in red, blue, and purple tones on a textured background.
Culture
9 of our favorite interviews from 2024
We spent 2024 doing what we do best — chatting with Austinites who are making our fair city a better place.
December 17, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A single-story building with curved, layered walls made using 3D-printing technology, featuring a metal gabled roof, large glass windows, and a surrounding landscaped area with pathways and parking spaces.
Business
ICON unveils 3D-printed Innovation Center at Camp Mabry
The 3D-printing construction company partnered with Camp Mabry to bring fresh buildings to the home of the Texas National Guard and the Texas State Guard.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A colorful assortment of macarons arranged in a decorative gift box, featuring flavors in vibrant hues like blue, yellow, red, and brown against a red and patterned backdrop.
Food
Where to get holiday cookies in ATX
Treat Santa (or your loved ones) to some gourmet goodies from local bakeries this year — they’re a present all their own.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A vibrant mural with the text "Greetings from 78666 San Marcos" featuring illustrations of a yellow rose, a historic city hall, and other local landmarks integrated into the zip code. The mural is painted on a red wall with a small sign on the bottom right indicating sponsorship.
Play
Get in — we’re going to San Marcos, Texas
The Mermaid Capital of Texas, home to Texas State University, and riverside town is a great place to take a day trip — we’ve got all the spots to hit when you visit.
December 11, 2024
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Laura Figi
ATX_Waymo
Business
All the autonomous vehicles operating in Austin
The robots are driving in ATX. Keep your eyes peeled for these companies, which are driving or getting ready to deploy driverless vehicles in town.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Seven mannequins dressed up behind a table with flat laid accessories.
Culture
How to give a sustainable gift this holiday season
We’re dreaming of a green Christmas.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A teddy bear made of colorful Christmas lights sits among lit-up trees on the path of the Trail of Lights.
Culture
You can ride the Zilker Eagle during the Trail of Lights this year
Plus, the music lineup for the annual tradition is here, featuring artists like Chief Cleopatra and Como Las Movies.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A festive spread of various dishes arranged on a table with a striped blue and orange tablecloth. The centerpiece is a glazed roasted ham in a copper pot, surrounded by bowls of kale salad, green bean salad, and noodles. Other items include cinnamon rolls, appetizers topped with feta, and a glass teapot with tea.
Food
Hungry for the holidays: 12 restaurants to grab some grub for December 25
Whether you don’t want to bother with cooking or you want to treat the family to a delicious meal out, here are a few restaurants to try.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A modern H-E-B grocery store entrance with a large red "H-E-B" logo prominently displayed at the top. The building features tall glass windows, a red awning with "WELCOME" written in bold letters, and multiple glass doors. The exterior includes a wide concrete staircase with railings and a decorated barricade showcasing festive designs at the bottom right corner. The sky above is partly cloudy, reflecting in the glass windows.
Business
Inside the new H-E-B on South Congress Avenue
The Texas grocer’s oldest location in Austin is now a shiny, new gem in the Violet Crown.
December 4, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A vibrant display of the Trail of Lights entrance, adorned with multicolored string lights forming a tunnel effect and sparkling star decorations. The illuminated sign reads "Trail of Lights" in bold golden letters, surrounded by festive holiday cheer, with silhouetted visitors gathered below.
City
The history of Austin’s 60-year-old Trail of Lights
The beloved local tradition has taken multiple different forms over the years, and was once called “Yule Fest.”
December 3, 2024
 · 
London Gibson
Two women looking at art hanging on the wall.
Culture
Give back to one of these 18 nonprofits on Giving Tuesday 2024
Celebrate Giving Tuesday with Austin’s chapter, I Live Here I Give Here, by giving back to one of these 18 nonprofits helping various causes around the city.
December 2, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The Sorin Oak at St. Edwards University
City
Go out on a limb for Heritage Trees in Austin
The Capital City is serious about its 33+ million trees — so much so that many of them are protected by the Heritage Tree Ordinance.
November 29, 2024
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Laura Figi
A festive arrangement of holiday-themed drinks, including cocktails garnished with dried citrus slices, star anise, and whipped cream, set against a backdrop of holiday decorations like a small Christmas tree and ornaments. Coasters with the "Upstairs at Caroline" logo are visible in the background.
Food
Go Rockin’ Around the Rooftops with this holiday bar crawl
Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle — stroll through six of Austin’s holiday pop-up bars for fun with friends and potential for prizes.
November 25, 2024
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Laura Figi
A plan flying over Austin Bergstrom International Airport.
Work
All you need to know about Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
November 22, 2024
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Laura Figi
More than two million lights make up the 70+ displays and tunnels on the Trail. | Photo via @danyetteheine
Culture
11 holiday light displays in and around Austin to catch this season
Allow us to take you on a sleigh ride through the Austin area’s huge collection of holiday lights, shows, and displays.
November 21, 2024
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Laura Figi
A painted version of the graffitied train bridge above Lady Bird Lake.
Arts
A dozen Austin references you didn’t notice in Trader Joe’s
It’s a mini city-wide scavenger hunt in the supermarket, and all the references are different throughout each Trader Joe’s location.
November 21, 2024
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Laura Figi
Adam Walker wearing a black T-shirt and a trucker hat holding a bottle of beer sits on the edge of a pool table in a dimly lit bar. Neon signs for various beer brands, such as Budweiser and Shiner Bock, are displayed on the wood-paneled walls, along with Texas-themed decor.
Culture
How to Keep Austin Cheer’d with Me Nd Adam
‘Tis the season to give back to the Austin community through Me Nd Adam’s Keep Austin Cheer’d — an annual charity event that benefits Casa Marianella.
November 19, 2024
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Laura Figi
Kirk Watson in front of a star wearing a blue suit and lighter blue shirt.
City
How Kirk Watson was voted mayor again in 2024
Kirk Watson has a storied history of being Mayor of Austin, and with his re-election confirmed, he’ll serve another four-year term.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A woman looking through an array of art pieces and post cards framed at the Armadillos Christmas Bazaar.
Culture
Shop local at these holiday markets in Austin
‘Tis the season to start shopping for the holidays and anything you can buy, you can buy local at one of these holiday markets.
November 15, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Colorful outdoor seating area with a vibrant mural covering the building's wall. The mural features whimsical, colorful shapes, including rainbows, clouds, and abstract designs. Wooden tables with metal chairs are arranged under dark blue umbrellas with scalloped edges.
Food
Stargazer bar and cafe opening in east Austin
The new spot will take over the former Austin Eastciders Taproom and serve goodies from a handful of local businesses.
November 13, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Two people sit on a curb reading books together outdoors. One person, wearing a denim jacket and a beanie, holds a book titled The Secret of the Moon Conch, while the other, dressed in a gray sweater, is reading a different book. A tote bag labeled "Texas Reader Book Club" rests on the ground beside them.
Events
Your guide to the Texas Book Festival 2024
Authors from Texas — including Matthew McConaughey, Malcolm Gladwell, and Ernest Cline — will share their books, participate in panels, and more
November 11, 2024
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Laura Figi
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "ATXtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
ATXtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
A dish of roasted honeynut squash sits in a white bowl, topped with vibrant green microgreens and sesame seeds, set on a layer of green sauce. The contrasting colors and textures create a visually appealing presentation, highlighting the fresh and savory elements of the dish.
Food
Kimbal Musk’s restaurant The Kitchen opening in Austin
The American bistro will feature Texas-sourced ingredients and spirits in an upscale, Lone Star State-chic interior.
November 8, 2024
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Laura Figi
A crowd of people at ACL Live
Culture
62 Austin concerts to put your radar before the end of 2024
The end of the year is nigh, but there are concerts galore to celebrate with.
November 7, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The Central Austin Public Library at dusk.
Culture
Little-known perks at the Austin Public Library
The services offered at local Austin Public Library branches are pretty useful in our books.
November 5, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A white, oval sticker with an American flag reads "I Voted Yo Voté" and is stuck to a finger. In the background, Austin City Hall is blurred out.
City
10 tips for Austinites on Election Day
Know your rights before you head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
November 4, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
McConaughey in a black suit and white shirt stands amid a crowd at a formal event, gazing slightly off-camera. In the foreground, an Oscar statue is visible on the left, indicating the setting is likely an awards ceremony. People in the background appear dressed in formal attire, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere.
Culture
55 facts about Matthew McConaughey for his 55th birthday
Celebrate the local legend by learning dozens of facts about his life.
November 1, 2024
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Laura Figi
Large, two-story brick building with two rows of windows.
Culture
3 chilling ghost stories that haunt Winston-Salem
Fans of all things freaky will want to read these three urban legends in the Twin City — and we’re not skimping on the scares.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Cambridge Wrege
The sun sets over houses and the Colorado River from Mount Bonnell.
City
Here’s how many 100º days Austin saw in 2024
Spoiler alert, there were far fewer 100º days in 2024 than 2023. Get your final guesses ready, because we’re not expecting any more to hit this year.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
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